Coupling system for a fiber optic cable

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic cable includes a jacket forming a cavity therein, a stack of fiber optic ribbons located in the cavity, and a strength member embedded in the jacket. The jacket forms a ridge extending into the cavity lengthwise along the fiber optic cable. The ribbon stack is spiraled through the cavity such that corners of the ribbon stack pass by the ridge at intermittent locations along the length of the cable, where interactions between the ridge and the corners of the ribbon stack facilitate coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/840,641 filed on Jun. 28, 2013,the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to fiber opticcables, and more specifically to frictional coupling of elements toadjoining structure within the cables.

Coupling of elements, such as stacks of ribbons of optical fibers,tight-buffered optical fibers, or loose tubes containing optical fibers,etc., within a fiber optic cable to surrounding or adjoining structureof the cable may reduce axial displacement of the elements andcorresponding buckling of optical fibers associated with the elementsthat may otherwise lead to increased signal attenuation of the opticalfibers. For example, if the elements are insufficiently coupled, theelements may become redistributed in a cable when the cable stretches orbends, and as a result the elements may become unevenly packed into asection of the cable. When the cable subsequently straightens orcontracts in cooler temperatures or released tension, the elements inthe packed section may then buckle or kink, leading to attenuationand/or optical fiber damage.

Foam tape and grease may be used in a fiber optic cable to facilitatecoupling between elements, such as stacks of ribbons, and thesurrounding structure within the cable. However, the foam may be bulkyand may correspondingly increase a cable diameter and associatedmaterial costs. Grease can be messy to work with and apply. A needexists for an efficient solution to couple elements within a fiber opticcable to surrounding and/or adjoining structure of the cables, such asthe cable jacket, without substantially increasing the cable diameterand/or associated material costs.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a fiber optic cable that includes a jacketforming a cavity therein, a stack of fiber optic ribbons located in thecavity, and a strength member embedded in the jacket. The jacket bulgesaround the strength member to form a ridge extending into the cavitylengthwise along the fiber optic cable. The ribbon stack is spiraledthrough the cavity such that corners of the ribbon stack pass by theridge at intermittent locations along the length of the cable, whereinteractions between the ridge and the corners of the ribbon stackfacilitate coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket.

Another embodiment relates to a fiber optic cable that includes a jacketforming a cavity therein, a stack of fiber optic ribbons located in thecavity, and first and second strength members embedded in the jacket.The first and second strength members are positioned on opposite sidesof the ribbon stack from one another. The jacket bulges around thestrength members to form ridges extending into the cavity lengthwisealong the jacket. The ridges form the narrowest width of the cavitytherebetween. The ribbon stack is spiraled through the cavity such thatcorners of the ribbon stack pass by the ridges at intermittent locationsalong the length of the fiber optic cable, where interactions betweenthe ridges and the corners of the ribbon stack facilitate coupling ofthe ribbon stack to the jacket.

Yet another embodiment relates to a fiber optic cable that includes ajacket forming a cavity therein and a stack of fiber optic ribbonslocated in the cavity. The jacket includes a ridge extending into thecavity along the length of the jacket. Each ribbon includes a pluralityof optical fibers arranged side-by-side with one another and coupled toone another in a common matrix. The ribbon stack is wound such thatcorners of the ribbon stack pass by the ridge at intermittent locationsalong the length of the fiber optic cable. The ridge is rigid such thatthe ribbon stack deforms about the ridge at the intermittent locations,bending optical fibers of at least some of the ribbons, however theoptical fibers are bend-insensitive optical fibers, each including aglass core surrounded by a glass cladding. The glass cladding includesannular regions, where a first of the annular regions has a refractiveindex that is lower than the average refractive index of the core,thereby reflecting errant light back to the core. A second of theannular regions of the cladding has a refractive index that differs fromthe first of the annular regions, thereby further reflecting or trappingerrant light from the core and improving the performance of the opticalfiber in terms of reduced attenuation from macro-bending. Interactionbetween the ridge and the ribbon stack facilitates coupling of theribbon stack to the jacket.

Still another embodiment relates to a fiber optic cable that includes ajacket forming a cavity therein and a stack of fiber optic ribbonslocated in the cavity. The jacket includes an indentation on theexterior thereof that forms a ridge extending into the cavity along thelength of the jacket. Each ribbon of the stack includes a plurality ofoptical fibers arranged side-by-side with one another and coupled to oneanother in a common matrix. Corners of the ribbon stack pass by theridge of the jacket at intermittent locations along the length of thefiber optic cable, and interaction between the ridge and the ribbonstack facilitates coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket.

Additional features and advantages are set forth in the DetailedDescription that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof,as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following Detailed Description aremerely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or frameworkto understand the nature and character of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying Figures are included to provide a furtherunderstanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, andtogether with the Detailed Description serve to explain principles andoperations of the various embodiments. As such, the disclosure willbecome more fully understood from the following Detailed Description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic cable according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fiber optic cable according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic cable according to yetanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic cable supporting aplurality of fiber optic cables of FIG. 1 therein, according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate exemplary embodimentsnow described in detail, it should be understood that the presentinventive technology is not limited to the details or methodology setforth in the Detailed Description or illustrated in the Figures. Forexample, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art,features and attributes associated with embodiments shown in one of theFigures may be applied to embodiments shown in others of the Figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a fiber optic cable 110, shown in cross-sectionorthogonal to the length of the cable 110, includes a jacket 112 (e.g.,tube, sheath) forming a cavity 114 (e.g., enclosure, passage). Opticalfibers 116 are located in the cavity 114; and, more specifically, astack 118 of fiber optic ribbons 120 of the optical fibers 116 islocated in the cavity 114. Each ribbon 120 includes the optical fibers116 arranged side-by-side with one another and bound in a common matrix122, such as an ultraviolet-cured acrylate or another resin or othermaterial.

The ribbon stack 118 may be rectangular in cross-section, as shown inFIG. 1, or may be otherwise shaped, such as having sub-sections withribbons 120 of a particular number of optical fibers 116, where theribbons 120 of the sub-sections have fewer optical fibers 116 closer tothe top and bottom of the ribbon stack 118 (e.g., ziggurat-shaped). Thegeometry of the ribbon stack 118 may be polygonal in cross-section, andthe ribbons 120 may be concentrically aligned with one another in theribbon stack 118. In other embodiments the optical fibers 116 may beotherwise arranged, such as in buffer tubes, micromodules, or otherstructures within the jacket 112.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic cable 110 includesone or more strength members embedded in the jacket 112, such as firstand second strength members 124, 126 positioned on opposite sides of theribbon stack 118, as shown in FIG. 1. The strength members 124, 126 maybe elongate rods, such as rods of glass-reinforced plastic, steel rods,or other materials. The strength members 124, 126 may provide additionaltensile strength to the fiber optic cable 110, reinforcing the ribbonstack 118. Further, the strength members 124, 126 may provideanti-buckling strength to the fiber optic cable 110. In someembodiments, the fiber optic cable 110 may further or alternativelyinclude tensile yarn, such as aramid or fiber glass yarn, positioned inthe cavity 114 around the ribbon stack 118 (see, e.g., tensile yarn 312as shown in FIG. 3).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the jacket 112 of the fiber opticcable 110 bulges about the strength members 124, 126. In someembodiments, the bulge extends into the cavity 114, forming a ridge 128,130 extending lengthwise along the jacket 112 through the cavity 114. Insome embodiments, the exterior 132 of the cable 110 is generally round,but the bulge about the strength member 124, 126 may also form a ridge134, 136 extending outward from the exterior 132 of the jacket,providing a tactile and visual indicator of interior contents of thecable 110, such as the location of the strength members 124, 126.Locating the strength members 124, 126 may ease connectorization of thecable and/or facilitate tearing open of the cable to access the opticalfibers 116. In other embodiments, the exterior 132 of the cable 110 doesnot include a ridge. For example, the exterior 132 may be completelyround or otherwise shaped, such as oblong or rectangular incross-section. In some embodiments, the ridge 128, 130 may be formedfrom jacket material, without being a bulge about a strength member 124,126.

The ridge 128, 130 may extend into cavity 114, relative to thesurrounding wall of the jacket 112, such as by a distance of at least100 micrometers, at least 250 micrometers, and/or at least 500micrometers. In some such embodiments, or in other embodiments, theridge 128, 130 may extend no more than 2 millimeters into the cavity,such as no more than 1.5 millimeters. In still other embodiments, theridge may be greater in length or otherwise sized. According to anexemplary embodiment, the width of the cavity 114 passing from a peak ofthe ridge 128, 130 through the cross-sectional center of the cavity 114to the jacket 112 on the opposing side of the cavity 114 is less thanthe widest cross-sectional dimension D_(RS) of the ribbon stack 118,such as the diagonal cross-section of a rectangular ribbon stack 118.However, other cross-sections of the cavity 114 are wider than thewidest cross-sectional dimension D_(RS) of the ribbon stack 118.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ribbon stack 118 is spiraledthrough the cavity such that corners 138 of the ribbon stack 118 pass bythe ridge 128, 130 at intermittent locations (see, e.g., locations X₁,X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ as shown in FIG. 2) along the length of the fiber opticcable 110. In other embodiments, the ridge 128, 130 may be spiraled andthe ribbon stack 118 may be straight through the cavity 114 (see, e.g.,spiraled ridges 212 as shown in FIG. 2). Both the ribbon stack 118 andthe ridge 128, 130 may be spiraled at different rates. Regardless ofwhich component is spiraled, the ridge 128, 130 may directly contactcorners 138 of the ribbon stack 118 at the intermittent locations, ormay raise other elements in the interior of the cable 110 to contact theribbon stack 118, such as water-swellable tape, tensile strengthmembers, heat-shielding tape, or other elements positioned between theribbon stack 118 and the ridge 128, 130. Between the intermittentlocations, the ribbon stack 118 may be separated from the jacket 112, asshown in FIG. 1, by at least 20 micrometers on average, such as at least50 micrometers, and/or such that sections of the ribbon stack betweenthe intermittent locations are substantially less coupled to the jacketthan at the intermittent locations.

Direct or indirect interactions between the ridge 128, 130 and corners138 of the ribbon stack 118, as the ribbon stack 118 rotates relative tothe ridge 128, 130 and/or vice versa, facilitates coupling of the ribbonstack 118 to the jacket 112. For example, in some embodiments, couplingof the ribbon stack 118 to the jacket 112 facilitated by the interactionof the corners 138 of the ribbon stack 118 and the ridges 128, 130 issuch that a force of at least 0.05 newtons per optical fiber in theribbon stack for every 30 meters of the cable is required to draw theribbon stack 118 from an end of the jacket 112 when the cable 110 is atroom temperature range of about 23 degrees Centigrade, such as at least0.1 newtons per optical fiber, at least 0.2 newtons per optical fiber.The force may also or alternatively be no more than 1.2 newtons peroptical fiber in the ribbon stack for every 30 meters of the cable 110,such as 1.0 newtons or less per optical fiber, 0.8 newtons or less peroptical fiber. In other contemplated embodiments, other coupling forcesmay be present in the cable 110.

Still referring to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, theinterior of the cavity 114 is lined with particles of powder 140. Insome embodiments, at least some of the particles of powder 140 arepartially embedded in the jacket 112 and contribute to the frictionalcontact at the interfaces between the ribbon stack 118 and the ridge128, 130. In some embodiments, the powder 140 includes flame-retardantmaterials such as aluminum trihydrate, aluminum hydroxide, melamine,hexabromocyclododecane, magnesium hydroxide, mica powder, aluminumhydratete, hexabromocyclododecane polycarbonate, brucite powder,ammonium polyphosphate, bromopolystyrene, or other flame-retardantmaterials. In some embodiments, the powder 140 includes water-swellablematerials, such as super-absorbent polymer, cross-linked sodiumpolyacrylate, copolymer of acrylate and polyacrylamide, and otherwater-swellable materials. In still other embodiments, the powder 140may include more or other components. In contemplated embodiments, suchpowder 140 may additionally or alternatively be carried or integratedwith a tape, such as a non-woven sheet of polymeric material, and/or ayarn, such as a bundle of aramid fibers or other yarns.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the average volume-based particlesize of the powder 140 is 200 micrometers or less, where volume-basedparticle size equals the diameter of a sphere having the equivalentvolume of a given particle, such as 150 micrometers or less. Smallerparticles of powder 140 mitigate micro-bending attenuation of theoptical fibers 116, should the optical fibers 116 and/or ribbons 120contact and impinge upon the particles.

In some embodiments, each optical fiber 116 includes a glass core 142surrounded by a glass cladding 144, where the glass cladding 144 of theoptical fibers 116 is surrounded by a coating 146 including interior andexterior polymer layers. The interior polymer layer of the coating 146has a lower modulus of elasticity than the exterior polymer layer of thecoating 146, such that the coating includes a hard shell exterior layerand a stress-isolation layer interior thereto. In some such embodiments,the exterior layer has a modulus of elasticity that is at least twicethat of the interior layer, such as at least three- or even four-timesthat of the inner layer.

If particles of the powder 140, extending into the cavity 114 from theinterior of the jacket 112, contact the fiber optic ribbons 120, thenthe exterior polymer layer of the coating 146 limits scratching and wearof the glass cladding 144 of the optical fiber 116. Further, ifparticles of the powder 140 contact the fiber optic ribbons 120, theinterior polymer layer of the coating 146 mitigates transmission ofstresses to the glass cladding 144 and glass core 142, thereby limitingassociated attenuation from micro-bending. In some embodiments, one orboth of the polymer layers are integrated with the matrix 122 of theribbons, instead of or in addition to being annularly around individualoptical fibers 116.

Due at least in part to synergistic use of the strength members 126and/or the jacket 112 itself to facilitate coupling of the ribbon stack118 to the jacket 122, in addition to providing reinforcement strengthand/or environmental isolation to the optical components of the fiberoptic cable 110, the cable 110 may be particularly small. For example,in some embodiments, the cable 110 is generally round in cross-section;and, while supporting the stack of fiber optic ribbons 118, has anaverage outside diameter of less than 7 millimeters, such as 6.5millimeters or less, or even 6 millimeters or less. In some suchembodiments, the ribbon stack 118 includes at least four ribbons, andthe ribbons may each include at least four optical fibers, such as thecable 110 including at least six ribbons of eight-fibers each with adiameter of less than 7 millimeters.

In at least some embodiments, the cable includes two strength members128, 130 that are between 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters in diameter, thejacket wall (aside from the bulge) has a thickness between 0.75 and 1.75millimeters, the ridges 128, 130 extend into the cavity 114 by at least0.15 millimeters and less than 0.5 millimeters, the ribbon stack 118 isrectangular and has a diagonal of between 2.0 and 3.75 millimeters, theinner diameter of the jacket 112 (aside from between the ridges 128,130) is between 2.5 and 4.5 millimeters and the overall outside diameterof the jacket 112 (aside from external ridges 134, 136, if present) isabout 8 millimeters or less, such as 7.5 millimeters or less, such as7.0 millimeters or less.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the strength member 124, 126underlying the ridge 128, 130 provides rigidity to the ridge 128, 130such that the ribbon stack 118 deforms about the ridge 128, 130 at theintermittent locations, bending optical fibers 116 of at least some ofthe ribbons 120. The optical fibers 116 are compressed and/or tensionedin bending; and in some embodiments bend-insensitive optical fibers areused to mitigate associated attenuation. For example, in someembodiments, the bend-insensitive optical fibers each include annularregions or layers in the glass cladding 144. A first of the annularregions of the cladding 144, such as an innermost region contacting thecore 142, has a refractive index that is lower than the averagerefractive index of the core 142, thereby reflecting errant light backto the core 142. A second of the annular regions of the cladding 144,such as a region adjoining the outside of the first annular region ofthe cladding 144, has a refractive index that differs from the first ofthe annular regions of the cladding 144 (e.g., the second annular regionof the cladding 144 may be up-doped or down-doped), thereby furtherreflecting or trapping errant light from the core 142 and improving theperformance of the optical fiber 116 in terms of reducing attenuationfrom macro-bending.

With some such bend-insensitive optical fibers 116 or other opticalfibers, the degree of bend insensitivity of the optical fibers 116 issuch that with one turn around a 10 millimeter diameter mandrel, eachoptical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.5decibels, such as 0.3 decibels, or even 0.25 decibels, at a wavelengthof 850 nanometers; with one turn around a 15 millimeter diametermandrel, each optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of lessthan 0.2 decibels, such as 0.15 decibels, or even 0.1 decibels, at awavelength of 850 nanometers; and with one turn around a 20 millimeterdiameter mandrel, each optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase ofless than 0.1 decibels, such as 0.8 decibels, or even 0.6 decibels, at awavelength of 850 nanometers, thereby mitigating bending attenuation dueto interactions of the optical fibers 116 of the ribbon stack 118 withthe ridge 128, 130.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments the cable 110 includes adiscontinuity of material 148, 150 in the jacket 112 that extendslengthwise along the jacket 112. For example, the jacket 112 may beformed from a first material and the discontinuity 148, 150 may beformed from a second material. The first material may include a firstpolymer, such as primarily consisting of the first polymer (e.g.,consisting at least 51%, such as at least 60% by volume thereof). Thesecond material may include a second polymer, such as primarilyconsisting of the second polymer (e.g., consisting at least 51%, such asat least 60% by volume thereof).

In some embodiments, the second material may also include a relativelysmall amount of the first polymer to increase adhesion between the firstand second materials such that the jacket 112 with the discontinuity148, 150 forms a cohesive body. In some embodiments, the first polymeris polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or another material. In someembodiments, the second polymer is polypropylene, or another material.Either or both of the first and second materials may includeflame-retardant additives or materials. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the discontinuity 148, 150 facilitates tearing open of thejacket 112 about the discontinuity 148, 150 by providing a tear paththerethrough and/or thereabout.

In some embodiments the cable 110 includes at least two discontinuities148, 150. The discontinuities 148, 150 may be positioned on oppositesides of the ribbon stack 118 from one another such that thediscontinuities 148, 150 facilitate tearing the jacket 112 in two toaccess the ribbon stack 118. As shown in FIG. 1, the discontinuities148, 150 may be located in sections of the jacket 112 between thestrength members 124, 126 (e.g., equidistant therefrom) such thatpulling apart the strength members 124, 126 facilitates tearing open thejacket 112 via the discontinuities 148, 150. In other embodiments, otheraccess features may be used, such as V-grooves to facilitate tearing ofthe jacket 112.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cable 210, similar to the cable 110, includesridges 212 that spiral lengthwise through a cavity 214 along theinterior surface of a jacket 216, which is shown as transparent in FIG.2 to show interactions between the ridges 212 and a ribbon stack 218.The ribbon stack 218, or other optical elements, may be laid straightthrough the cavity 214, without stranding, and coupling may be achievedby interaction with the corners of the ribbon stack 218 and the ridges212 at intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ as the ridges 212 passover the corners of the ribbon stack 218. As such, the features andattributes described above with regard to the cable 110 may be achievedwith a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, where the ridges 212 spiralinstead of the ribbon stack 218, given the above described relationshipsbetween the ribbon stack and ridge(s). In such an embodiment, the ridges212 may be formed by jacket material that is not raised or supported bya strength member. Tensile yarn may be positioned in the cavity 214 ofthe cable 210, between the ribbon stack 218 and the interior of thejacket 216.

With either the cable 110 or the cable 210, or other cables disclosedherein, the distance between intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅of coupling depends upon the rate at which the stack 218 and/or ridges212 spiral relative to the other. Accordingly, a shorter lay length forthe ribbon stack 218 may increase coupling of the ribbon stack 218 tothe jacket 216 by providing more intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄,X₅ for a given length of the jacket 216. Also, increasing the number ofridges 212 (FIG. 2 shows four) may correspondingly multiple the numberof intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ for a given length of thejacket 216.

For example, in some embodiments, the cable 210, or any of the othercables disclosed herein, includes at least 5 intermittent locations X₁,X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ at which corners of the ribbon stack 218 interface withan internal ridge 212 for every meter length of the jacket 216, such asat least 8 such intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ per meter,which may provide for a sufficient degree of coupling to overcomeoptical elements from shifting as discussed in the Background section.In some such embodiments or other embodiments, there are not more than80 intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ at which corners of theribbon stack 218 interface with an internal ridge 212 for every meterlength of the jacket 216, such as not more than 45 such intermittentlocations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ per meter, which may allow for independentflexing and movement of sections of the ribbon stack 218 between theintermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ to low-stress positions as thecable bends.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a fiber optic cable 310 includes a jacket 316forming a cavity 314 therein and a stack 318 of fiber optic ribbons 320located in the cavity 314. The jacket 316 includes a ridge 322 extendinginto the cavity 314 along the length of the jacket 316. The cable 310may include embedded strength members (see, e.g., strength members 124,126 as shown in FIG. 1), the tensile yarns 312, water-swellable tape,and/or other features disclosed herein with regard to the cables 110,210.

The ridge 322 of the cable 310 in FIG. 3 is formed from a continuous,lengthwise indentation 324 or fold of the jacket 316. The indentation324 may be formed by wheels or other element positioned along themanufacturing line of the cable 310, following the extrusion cross-head;and may be formed while the jacket 316 has not fully cooled. The wheelsor other elements forming the indentation 324 may be controlled to applyconsistent displacement of the jacket 316, so as to form a consistentlydeep indentation 324; or may be controlled to apply a consistent forceto the jacket 316, such that the depth of the indentation 324 may vary,depending upon whether or not the ridge 322 is contacting corners of theribbon stack 318 for example. In some embodiments, the wheels or otherelements spiral around the jacket 316 as the jacket 316 is manufactured,forming a spiraling ridge or ridges 322, similar to the ridges 212 ofthe cable 210. In other embodiments, the ridge 322 is straight along thelength of the jacket 316, and the ribbon stack 318 is spiraled.Spiraling the ribbon stack 318, 118 may reduce bending attenuation.

In some embodiments, two or more lengthwise indentations 324 are formedin the jacket 316, such as being positioned on opposite sides of thejacket 316 to provide coupling, similar to the ridges 128, 130 of thecable 110.

In some embodiments, the ridge 322 is rigid such that the ribbon stack318 deforms about the ridge 322 at the intermittent locations, bendingoptical fibers of at least some of the ribbons 320; and, in some suchembodiments, the optical fibers are bend-insensitive optical fibers.Interaction, direct or indirect by way of an intermediate element,between the ridge 322 and the ribbon stack 318 facilitates coupling ofthe ribbon stack 318 to the jacket 316.

In some embodiments, the indentation 324 and ridge 322 formed therefromare intermittently pressed into the cable 310, to form discrete ridges322 and indentations 324 along the length of the cable 310 (seegenerally the intermittent locations X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅ spaced apartalong the length of the cable 210). Discretizing the ridge 322 reducesthe degree of coupling, and spacing of the discrete ridges 322 may beused to achieve a desired degree of coupling. In some embodiments,discrete indentations 324 and ridges 322 are each at least a centimeterin length, and no more than a meter in length. The discrete indentationsand ridges are spaced apart from one another by at least a centimeter,such as at least a decimeter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the indentation 324 is shaped tomitigate the impact of the indentation 324 on bending of the fiber opticcable 310, such that the cable 310 does not have a substantial bendpreference induced by the indentation 324. In some embodiments, theindentation 324 is relatively shallow, having a maximum depth D relativeto the adjoining exterior of the cable 310 that is at least 100micrometers and/or no more than 2 millimeters. In other embodiments, thedepth D may be otherwise dimensioned. Further, in some embodiments, theindentation 324 is relatively narrow, having a width W, from edge toedge on the exterior of the jacket 316 that is less than 3 millimeters,such as 2 millimeters or less. In some embodiments, the cross-sectionalperiphery of the exterior of the jacket 316 is round, and eachindentation 324 falls within an arc length of less than 45 degrees ofthe perimeter, such as less than 30 degrees of the perimeter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, forming the indentation 324 doesnot substantially change the thickness T of the jacket 316 defining theindentation 324 and ridge 322 such that the thickness T is within atleast 25% of the average thickness of the jacket 316, such as within15%, within 10%, which may be achieved by manufacturing the indentationafter the jacket 316 has partially solidified after extrusion, such aswhen the average temperature of the jacket 316 is at least 5 degreesCentigrade cooler than the temperature at the cross-head, such as atleast 10 degrees cooler, at least 20 degrees cooler; and/or but no morethan 100 degrees Centigrade cooler. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the ridge 322 of the cable 310 may have the geometry and/ordimensions described above for the ridges of the cables 110, 210.

Similar to the exterior ridge 134, 136 of the cable 110, the indentation324 of the cable 310 provides a point of orientation for the cable 310.As such the indentation 324 may be used in conjunction with accessfeatures, such as the material discontinuities 326, 328, that may beconsistently positioned in a known location within the jacket relativeto the indentation 324. For example, in some embodiments materialdiscontinuities 326, 328 are positioned in the indentation 324 and inthe jacket 316 on the opposite side of the ribbon stack 318 from theindentation 324. So positioned, a user may peel the jacket 316 apartusing the indentation 324 as a notch in which to insert finger nails, akey, a screwdriver, or other items.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the jacket of cables disclosed hereinmay be the outermost jacket of the respective fiber optic cable,defining the exterior of the cable. In other embodiments, additionalmanufacturing steps may include extruding a second jacket 412 around thejacket 112, stranding the fiber optic cable 110 with other such fiberoptic cables 110 in a larger assembly, surrounding the fiber optic cable110 with metallic armor and then extruding polymer over the armor,and/or additional manufacturing steps may be used to make otherconfigurations using technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 shows a cable 410 (e.g., distribution cable) supporting aplurality of smaller fiber optic cables 110, each similar to the cable110 of FIG. 1. The fiber optic cables 110 are stranded around a centralstrength member 414 and located within the main jacket 414 for the cable410. In some embodiments, the main jacket 414 for the cable 410 ispolymeric, such as including extruded polyethylene. In some suchembodiments, the main jacket 414 is a composite and includes an interiorlayer of armor, such as a corrugated steel or copper tubing, surroundingand protecting the smaller optical fiber cables 110 within the cable410.

The construction and arrangements of the fiber optic cable, as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although onlya few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes, and proportions of the various members, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present inventive technology.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic cable, comprising: a jacket forminga cavity therein; a stack of fiber optic ribbons located in the cavity,each ribbon comprising a plurality of optical fibers arrangedside-by-side with one another and coupled to one another in a commonmatrix; and a strength member embedded in the jacket, wherein the jacketbulges around the strength member to form a ridge extending into thecavity lengthwise along jacket wherein the ribbon stack is spiraledthrough the cavity such that corners of the ribbon stack pass by theridge at intermittent locations along the length of the jacket, andwherein interactions between the ridge and the corners of the ribbonstack facilitate coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket.
 2. Thefiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein the width of the cavity passingfrom a peak of the ridge through the center of the cavity to the jacketon the opposing side of the cavity is less than the widestcross-sectional dimension of the ribbon stack.
 3. The fiber optic cableof either claim 1, wherein the ribbon stack directly contacts the ridgeat the intermittent locations, providing a frictional contact betweenthe ribbon stack and the ridge at the interface thereof.
 4. The fiberoptic cable of claim 3, wherein the interior of the cavity is lined withparticles of powder, wherein at least some of the particles arepartially embedded in the jacket and contribute to the frictionalcontact at the interface between the ribbon stack and the ridge.
 5. Thefiber optic cable of claim 4, wherein the powder comprisesflame-retardant materials.
 6. The fiber optic cable of claim 4, whereineach optical fiber comprises a glass core surrounded by a glasscladding, wherein the glass cladding of the optical fibers is surroundedby interior and exterior polymer layers, wherein the interior polymerlayer has a lower modulus of elasticity than the exterior polymer layer,whereby if powder particles extending inward from the interior of thejacket contact the fiber optic ribbons, the exterior polymer layerlimits scratching and wear of the glass cladding of the optical fiberand the interior polymer layer mitigates transmission of stresses to theglass, thereby limiting associated attenuation from micro-bending. 7.The fiber optic cable claim 1, wherein the strength member underlyingthe ridge provides rigidity to the ridge such that the ribbon stackdeforms about the ridge at the intermittent locations, bending opticalfibers of at least some of the ribbons.
 8. The fiber optic cable ofclaim 7, wherein the optical fibers of the fiber optic ribbons arebend-insensitive optical fibers, each comprising a glass core surroundedby a glass cladding, wherein the glass cladding comprises annularregions, wherein a first of the annular regions has a refractive indexthat is lower than the average refractive index of the core, therebyreflecting errant light back to the core, and wherein a second of theannular regions of the cladding has a refractive index that differs fromthe first of the annular regions, thereby further reflecting or trappingerrant light from the core and improving the performance of the opticalfiber in terms of reduced attenuation from macro-bending.
 9. A fiberoptic cable, comprising: a jacket forming a cavity therein; a stack offiber optic ribbons located in the cavity; a first strength memberembedded in the jacket; and a second strength member embedded in thejacket, wherein the first and second strength members are positioned onopposite sides of the ribbon stack from one another; wherein the jacketbulges around the strength members to form ridges extending into thecavity lengthwise along the jacket, wherein the ridges form thenarrowest width of the cavity therebetween, wherein the ribbon stack isspiraled through the cavity such that corners of the ribbon stack passby the ridges at intermittent locations along the length of the jacket,and wherein interactions between the ridges and the corners of theribbon stack facilitate coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket. 10.The fiber optic cable of claim 9, wherein the exterior periphery of thejacket is generally round in cross-section, and wherein, due at least inpart to synergistic use of the strength members to facilitate couplingof the ribbon stack to the jacket in addition to providing reinforcementstrength to the fiber optic cable, the jacket is particularly small,supporting the stack of fiber optic ribbons while having an averageoutside diameter of less than 7 millimeters, and wherein the stack offiber optic ribbons comprises at least 48 optical fibers.
 11. The fiberoptic cable of either claim 9, further comprising a discontinuity ofmaterial in the jacket that extends lengthwise along the jacket, whereinthe discontinuity facilitates tearing open of the jacket about thediscontinuity.
 12. The fiber optic cable of claim 11, further comprisinganother discontinuity, wherein the discontinuities are on opposite sidesof the ribbon stack from one another such that the discontinuitiesfacilitate tearing the jacket in two to access the ribbon stack.
 13. Thefiber optic cable of claim 12, wherein the discontinuities are locatedbetween the strength members such that pulling apart the strengthmembers facilitates tearing open the jacket via the discontinuities. 14.The fiber optic cable of claim 9, wherein the jacket bulges around thestrength members to form outer ridges protruding from the exterior ofthe jacket, which provide tactile and visual indications of the locationof the strength members.
 15. A fiber optic cable, comprising: a jacketforming a cavity therein, the jacket comprising a ridge extending intothe cavity along the length of the jacket; and a stack of fiber opticribbons located in the cavity, each ribbon comprising a plurality ofoptical fibers arranged side-by-side with one another and coupled to oneanother in a common matrix, wherein the optical fibers arebend-insensitive optical fibers, each comprising a glass core surroundedby a glass cladding, wherein the glass cladding comprises annularregions, wherein a first of the annular regions has a refractive indexthat is lower than the average refractive index of the core, therebyreflecting errant light back to the core, and wherein a second of theannular regions of the cladding has a refractive index that differs fromthe first of the annular regions, thereby further reflecting or trappingerrant light from the core and improving the performance of the opticalfiber in terms of reduced attenuation from bending; wherein corners ofthe ribbon stack pass by the ridge at intermittent locations along thelength of the jacket, wherein the ridge is rigid such that the ribbonstack deforms about the ridge at the intermittent locations, bendingoptical fibers of at least some of the ribbons, and wherein interactionbetween the ridge and the ribbon stack facilitates coupling of theribbon stack to the jacket.
 16. The fiber optic cable of claim 15,wherein the cavity is generally round in cross-section, wherein anaverage inner diameter of the jacket is greater than the widestcross-sectional dimension of the ribbon stack and wherein the diameterof the cavity passing from a peak of the ridge through the center of thecavity to the jacket on the opposing side of the cavity is less than thewidest cross-sectional dimension of the ribbon stack.
 17. The fiberoptic cable of either claim 15, further comprising a strength memberunderlying the ridge and augmenting rigidity of the ridge, wherein theexterior cross-section of the jacket is generally round, and wherein,due at least in part to synergistic use of the strength member tofacilitate coupling of the ribbon stack to the jacket in addition toproviding reinforcement strength to the fiber optic cable, the jacket isparticularly small, supporting the stack of fiber optic ribbons whilehaving an average outside diameter of less than 7 millimeters andwherein the stack of fiber optic ribbons comprises at least 48 opticalfibers.
 18. The fiber optic cable of claim 15, wherein the degree ofbend insensitivity of the optical fibers is such that with one turnaround a 10 millimeter diameter mandrel, each optical fiber exhibits anattenuation increase of less than 0.5 decibels at a wavelength of 850nanometers; with one turn around a 15 millimeter diameter mandrel, eachoptical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.2 decibelsat a wavelength of 850 nanometers; and with one turn around a 20millimeter diameter mandrel, each optical fiber exhibits an attenuationincrease of less than 0.1 decibels at a wavelength of 850 nanometers.19. The fiber optic cable of claim 15, wherein the ridge spirals throughthe length of the cavity around the interior surface of the jacket. 20.The fiber optic cable of claim 15, wherein the coupling of the ribbonstack to the jacket is such that a force of at least 0.05 newtons peroptical fiber in the ribbon stack for every 30 meters of the jacket, butno more than 1 newton per optical fiber in the ribbon stack for every 30meters of the jacket, is required to draw the ribbon stack from an endof the jacket.